The Hidden Cost of Turning Rubbish into Energy

One of the UK’s most common methods of electricity generation is now one of the dirtiest.

A recent BBC report has found that burning household waste in large incinerators, known as energy-from-waste (EfW) plants, produces as much greenhouse gases as coal.

Why Is This a Problem?

When household waste is burned to generate electricity, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This is particularly harmful when plastic is involved because it’s derived from fossil fuels. Although burning waste might sound better than burying it in a landfill site, the growing reliance on incinerators is an environmental issue.

The Government started pushing for incineration nearly 15 years ago to cut down on landfill emissions. However, while food waste produces fewer harmful gases when burned, the real issue lies in the increasing amount of plastic waste we incinerate. According to scientists, plastic burning releases 175 times more CO2 than if it were buried, damaging the climate.

What Does This Mean for Energy Consumers?

For many years, councils and waste management firms promoted incineration as a green alternative to landfill. However, the reality is that energy from incineration is now the most pollutant way to generate electricity in the UK. According to the BBC, incinerators emit five times more CO2 than the average electricity unit produced in the UK.

Higher Emissions, Higher Costs

With the UK aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the reliance on waste incinerators could make this target more difficult. This might result in the Government imposing stricter regulations on energy producers, which could ultimately lead to higher consumer bills as companies pass on the cost of meeting more stringent emission standards.

Stagnant Recycling Efforts

One of the reasons more waste is being burned is that councils are locked into long-term contracts with waste operators. Some of these contracts include clauses that require councils to send a minimum amount of waste to incinerators.

As a result, local recycling efforts are stagnating. England’s recycling rates have been around 41% for the past decade. If local authorities can't send less waste to incinerators without facing fines, this lack of flexibility could prevent further investment in more sustainable recycling systems.

Climate and Health Concerns

Increased pollution from waste incineration affects not only the environment but public health as well. Incinerators are getting bigger and dirtier, so more pollutants are being released into the air. This could lead to poorer air quality near these plants, which may have health implications for residents.

What’s Being Done?

While Wales and Scotland have introduced bans on new incinerators, England and Northern Ireland have yet to follow suit. Although some efforts are being made to capture the carbon emissions from these plants, only a few incinerators have the technology to do so. This has led to increasing calls from environmental groups, scientists and Government advisory bodies like the UK Climate Change Committee for a ban on new incinerators in England.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

One of the most effective ways to limit the amount of waste going to incinerators is to reduce your waste. Opt for reusable products, recycle as much as possible, and compost organic waste where facilities allow.

Support Sustainable Energy Sources

Many energy suppliers now offer tariffs that source electricity from wind and solar. Choosing a greener energy tariff can reduce your carbon footprint and support the transition to cleaner energy.

Stay Informed

Local councils play a key role in waste management, so staying informed about what’s happening in your area and advocating for better recycling policies can make a difference. You can also support campaigns calling for stricter regulations on waste incineration.

A Clean Energy Future

The UK has made great strides in reducing coal power, but the growing reliance on waste incineration threatens to undo some of this progress. Consumers can push for change by reducing waste, supporting clean energy or advocating for better management policies.

How Can I Save Money on Energy Bills?

With uncertainty over high energy bills and the current state of the UK energy market, consumers are looking for ways to save money on their energy more than ever. At UKPower, we can help you compare gas and electricity suppliers to find the cheapest energy prices, switch to a better deal and cut the cost of your energy bills.

Click here to run an energy price comparison, and see if you could be paying less for your gas and electricity.

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